Intraocular Pressure Control Research Articles

Comparative study of the outcomes of newly developed polypropylene-based modified trabeculectomy and glaucoma shunt surgery in neovascular glaucoma.

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a secondary glaucoma with a poor visual prognosis. Trabeculectomy with antifibrotic agents, glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs), and cyclo-destructive procedures are recommended in patients who are refractory to medical management. However, due to the poor success rate of conventional trabeculectomy and the higher cost of GDDs, alternative procedures need to be looked at. To compare the surgical outcomes and economic aspects of a newly developed polypropylene suture bed-based modified trabeculectomy to Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation for NVG. It was a prospective interventional study conducted at a tertiary care center between 2018 and 2020. Consecutive patients with NVG with a minimum follow-up of 18 months were included. Surgical outcomes are mainly based on intraocular pressure (IOP) control and the cost of surgery. Sixty eyes were included out of which 40 (60.6%) underwent modified trabeculectomy and 20 (33.7%) underwent AGV. At the final follow-up, no significant difference (P < 0.05) was found between the surgical outcomes of both groups. The complete success rate (IOP < 21 mm Hg without antiglaucoma medications) was 60 and 65% while the qualified success rate (IOP < 21 mm Hg with antiglaucoma medications) was 30 and 25% in modified trabeculectomy and AGV groups, respectively, at final follow-up. The cost of surgery was significantly higher in the AGV group (P < 0.0001). Modified trabeculectomy as described might be a better alternative for NVG eyes.

Surgical Outcomes in Uveitic Glaucoma: Long-Term Evaluation of Trabeculectomy, Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy, Ex-PRESS Shunt and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve. A 3-Year Follow-Up Study

ABSTRACT Purpose Uveitis can lead to secondary glaucoma, a condition with challenging management that can carry irreversible visual loss. Filtering surgery has demonstrated a higher failure rate, increased incidence of postoperative complications and reinterventions in uveitic patients. There is no consensus on the optimal surgical approach for uveitic glaucoma (UG) due to limited data comparing various intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering surgeries. This retrospective cohort aims to assess the clinical outcomes of trabeculectomy (TBT), non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS), Ex-PRESS shunt and Ahmed glaucoma valve, providing additional insights into the long-term IOP control and safety of filtering surgeries in UG. Methods The filtering surgery was performed on 32 eyes of 27 UG patients. Complete success was defined as IOP ≤ 18 mmHg or a 30% reduction. Qualified success allowed topical hypotensive treatment. Results Complete success was 40.63% (13/32) at 12 months and 36.67% (11/30) at 36 months. Qualified success was 84.38% (27/32) at 12 months and 63.33% (19/30) at 36 months. In the survival analysis, both NPDS and Ex-PRESS demonstrated decreased failure rates compared to TBT (NPDS vs TBT: HR = 0.20, p = 0.049; Ex-PRESS vs TBT: HR = 0.28, p = 0.13). One or more reinterventions were required in 34.38% (11/32) of the eyes. NPDS had the lowest incidence of hypotony. Secondary cataract was a common complication in all groups. Conclusion Various filtering surgeries are safe and effective procedures for lowering IOP and reducing the requirement of topical antihypertensives in UG at 36 months. However, one-third of the patients will require another IOP-lowering procedure.

The Effects of Lens Extraction Surgery on Intraocular Pressure and Anterior Segment Parameters in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma.

To investigate the effects of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation (phaco+IOL) surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior segment parameters in patients with cataract and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Fifty-five patients with PACG undergoing phaco+IOL surgery were evaluated in terms of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, anterior chamber depth (ACD), aqueous depth (AD), and lens thickness (LT) measured by optical biometry preoperatively and at the 6-month postoperative visit. They were compared with 34 healthy age-and gender-matched cataract patients who underwent phaco+IOL surgery. Preoperative evaluation revealed higher IOP, shorter axial length, shallower ACD and AD, and greater LT in the PACG group (p<0.001 for all). Postoperative evaluation in the PACG group showed an increase in BCVA, a significant decrease in IOP, an increase in ACD and AD, and a decrease in LT (p<0.001 for all). Additionally, a reduction in the average number of antiglaucomatous medications used postoperatively was observed in the PACG group (p<0.001). The changes in IOP, ACD, AD, and LT between preoperative and postoperative assessments were significantly greater in the PACG group compared to the control group (p<0.0001 for all). Phaco+IOL surgery in PACG patients leads to a significant increase in ACD compared to the control group and allows better control of IOP with fewer antiglaucomatous medications after surgery.

Glaucoma drainage device implantation and cyclophotocoagulation in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

To compare the surgical outcomes of glaucoma drainage device implantation (GDI) and trans-scleral neodymium:YAG cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). This retrospective study on observational case series enrolled 29 patients who underwent DSAEK and posterior anti-glaucoma surgery (15 with GDI and 14 with CPC). The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma surgery success rate (defined as IOP of 6-21 mm Hg without additional anti-glaucoma operation), number of glaucoma medications, endothelial graft status, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The mean follow-up time was 34.1 and 21.0mo for DSAEK or glaucoma surgeries, both for the GDI and CPC groups. Both groups showed significant IOP reduction after glaucoma surgery. The GDI group presented a significantly higher success rate in IOP control than the CPC group (60% vs 21.4%, P=0.03). Both procedures significantly decreased the number of glaucoma medications (P=0.03). Forty percent and 57% of cases in the GDI and the CPC group, respectively, experienced endothelial graft failure during follow-up (P=0.36). Significantly worse BCVA after surgery was observed in the CPC group but not in the GDI group. Both GDI and CPC significantly decrease IOP in eyes with glaucoma after DSAEK. GDI is preferable to CPC in refractory glaucoma cases after DSAEK, as it manifests a significantly higher success rate for IOP control, similar endothelial graft failure rate, and relatively preserves BCVA than CPC.

The Outcomes of Trabeculectomy following Anti-VEGF Treatments in Neovascular Glaucoma : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction&#x0D; Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a secondary glaucoma that potentially causes blindness due to proliferation of fibrovascular tissue in the anterior chamber angle. Ischemia in retinal triggers a cascade of various angiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 which lead to neovascularization. It was known that anti-VEGF inhibits the primary mediators of neovascularization and control intraocular pressure (IOP) in NVG.&#x0D; Objective&#x0D; To summarize outcome of anti-VEGF with trabeculectomy and applied in clinical practice.&#x0D; Methods &#x0D; PRISMA guideline was followed and analyzed the comparison with Revman (version 5.4). We used databases and professional websites published on eye conditions between 2013-2023 in English. All interventional and observational studies with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used. Risk of bias was measured using funnel plot. Outcomes measured were IOP, Best Corrected Visual Acquity (BCVA), neovascularization iris (NVI) recurrence before and after trabeculectomy.&#x0D; Result &#x0D; Six studies (199 eyes) showed a significant difference in IOP (MD=25.84, 95%CI 24.08-27.60, p&lt; 0.00001) and NVI recurrence (RD=0.94, 95%CI 0.86-1.01, p&lt;0.00001). While four studies (143 eyes) found there was a significant difference in BCVA (MD=0.21, 95%CI 0.06-0.37, p=0.008). The result of NVI should be interpreted with caution and not considered as definitive statement since the data was moderately heterogenic (I2=68% p=0.009).&#x0D; Conclusion &#x0D; It could be concluded there was a significant difference in IOP, BCVA, and NVI recurrence after given anti-VEGF with trabeculectomy. We could not conclude which anti-VEGF gave better result since there were lack of studies, low of studies quality, and heterogen data for NVI recurrence.

ANGLE RECESSION, THE SEQUELA OF EIGHT-BALL HYPHEMA AFTER SPRAYED BY FIRE HYDRANT: A CASE REPORT

Introduction : Hyphema results from damage to the blood vessels of the iris or anterior ciliary body after blunt trauma, and in 56–100% of cases can occur angle recession.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 40-year-old man complaints of pain and blurred left eye after being sprayed by a high-pressure fire hydrant five hours before coming to the emergency room. Visual acuity was 20/20 and hand movement in right and left eye, IOP is 13 mmHg and 18 mmHg in both eyes. Subconjunctival bleeding, conjunctival and pericorneal injections were found with punctate fluorescein test in the left eye. The cornea was edema and the anterior chamber was full of hyphema. Five days after being hospitalized and treated with topical atropine, antibiotics, and steroid in combination with oral tranexamic acid, the visual acuity was 5/6.5 and the hyphema was resolved. The IOP elevated after 1-6 weeks of follow-up in the outpatient clinic then timolol eyedrops were given. Gonioscopy showed widening of CBB, torn iris processus 2 clock hours in the inferior quadrant. The antiglaucoma medication was stopped due to the controlled IOP in the end episode of the treatment.&#x0D; Discussion : Angle recession involves a tear between the longitudinal and circular muscle fibres of the ciliary body. Medication is needed to control the IOP, while surgical management only indicated in cases where medical treatment fails to control the IOP and risk of progressive visual loss.&#x0D; Conclusion : Angle recession can occur after blunt eye trauma with hyphema and IOP control is needed to prevent the development of secondary glaucoma.

A Watchful Eye: A Case Report on The Management of Hypotony Maculopathy after Non-Valved Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation

Introduction : Low intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduced visual acuity following glaucoma surgery have been linked to a serious complication known as hypotony maculopathy. Here, we report a case of hypotony maculopathy following glaucoma drainage implant which was successfully managed by a conservative approach utilizing oral and topical steroids, resulting in favorable outcomes.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 25-year-old female with juvenile glaucoma presented with low IOP in the right eye (RE) following glaucoma drainage surgery using non-valved implant four months prior. Ophthalmic examination revealed a decrease of IOP (9mmHg to 4mmHg) and visual acuity (6/6 to 6/24). Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of macula was indicating hypotony maculopathy. All glaucoma medications were discontinued and the patient was given oral methylprednisolone 3x8 mg and topical prednisolone acetate three hourly for two months. Subsequent follow-up revealed an increase in IOP to 37mmHg and visual acuity improvement to 6/6. The patient was then given oral and topical antiglaucoma medications to maintain IOP control.&#x0D; Discussion : Hypotony and its related sequelae are more common with the non-valved drainage devices. Prompt intervention is crucial for improving visual outcomes. Treatment options include surgical and conservative approach. Closely monitored conservative therapy may also give favorable outcomes similar to surgical approach.&#x0D; Conclusion : In advanced cases of glaucoma, extremely low IOP is just as risky as a high IOP. Conservative therapy, including topical and oral corticosteroids, can be employed to reverse hypotony, at the expense of transient IOP rise, in corticosteroid-responsive patients. Restoring normal IOP in a timely manner may improve retinal function.

Combined Virna Glaucoma Implant (VGI) Implantation and Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Refractory Aphakic Glaucoma

Introduction : Glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) implantation are frequently indicated for refractory glaucoma. The preferable anterior chamber may be inaccessible for patients with anterior chamber abnormalities.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 6-year-old boy presented with high intraocular pressure (IOP) on the right eye (RE) four months before admission. Cataract surgery on both eye was done four years prior, due to congenital cataract. On examination, the visual acuity of the RE was hand movement with IOP 61mmHg with medications. Anterior chamber was shallow, posterior synechiae was found and posterior segment was hard to be evaluated. The fellow eye was nonfunctional with IOP 31mmHg. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed followed by implantation of GDD (Virna Glaucoma Implant) with posterior chamber sulcus tube placement without adding a new incision. Post-operatively, IOP was 3mmHg and choroidal detachment was found. With steroid medication, satisfactory IOP control was achieved within three weeks of follow-up. Visual acuity of RE was improved to 0.5/60.&#x0D; Discussion : In eyes with shallow anterior segments, tube placed in the anterior chamber may increase the risk of corneal endothelial injury. Placement of the silicone tube in the posterior chamber sulcus is an effective alternative technique. Although it is relatively safe in experienced hands, vitrectomy and insertion of the tube into the posterior segment carries significant risks, including choroidal detachment. Careful monitoring and management is needed to control IOP and maintain vision.&#x0D; Conclusion : Combined GDD implantation and PPV may be considered for refractory aphakic glaucoma, showing favorable outcomes with a relatively safe procedure.

THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE ANGLE CLOSURE WITH HISTORY OF PSYCHOTROPIC AGENTS : A CASE REPORT

Introduction : Psychotropic agents may precipitate Acute Angle Closure (AAC) either by inducing pupil block via adrenergic or anticholinergic mechanisms, or via an idiosyncratic non-pupillary block mechanism. This is a serious condition that can diminished aquous humor (AH) outflow and increased intraocular pressure&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 60-year-old female complained of a sudden onset of a severe painful red eye on the right eye (RE)2 weeks ago and there was an IOP elevation. Anti-glaucoma medications were given with no succcess. The patient regularly consumed psychotropic drugs Trihexyphenidyl, Risperidone, and Chlopromazine since 2005 and Escitalopram since 2 years ago&#x0D; Discussion : Several classes of centrally acting drugs, including antidepressants such as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) and antipsychotics have been implicated in precipitate AAC in individuals with pre-existing narrow angels. Rapid lowering of the IOP including medical treatment and relieved relative pupillary block with laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is an important initial step in treating AAC. Because the media is not clear due to corneal edema, trabeculectomy + 5 Fluorouracil can be considered for IOP control to prevent further damage.&#x0D; Conclusion : Trabeculectomy + 5 FU procedures may be a valuable and effective option in cases where LPI is too risky due to unclear visualization because of corneal edema. Trabeculectomy has been shown to effectively reduce IOP. Closed monitoring is necessary to assess ocular side effects due to the use of psychotropic agents

Systemy drenujące w świetle innych form terapii jaskry opornej na leczenie

Drainage devices have been using in the treatment of refractory glaucoma for more than 40 years. They give possibility for effective control of intraocular pressure in eyes, where natural outflow is totally blocked. Superiority of drainage systems such as Ahmed valve or Molteno device over other methods of normalization of intraocular pressure is due its effectiveness in eyes with high intraocular pressure and possibility of its use in eyes with higher risk of intraocular hemorrhage, which are observing ie. in patients with diabetic complications of the eye. A high intraocular pressure in eyes with increasing eye healing processes, mainly observed in children or in eyes with recurrent inflammation are contraindicated to treat using typical trabeculectomy procedure, because of its high ineffectiveness and therapy using diode laser should be recommended as a last choice of treatment of glaucoma. Proper diagnosis and the introduction of appropriate treatment methods at the right time significantly reduces the risk of vision loss due to glaucoma.

Steroids and/or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs as Postoperative Treatment after Trabeculectomy—12-Month Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of topical preservative-free diclofenac (DICLO) to dexamethasone (DEX) eyedrops, and their combination (DEX+DICLO) after trabeculectomy. Sixty-nine patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma were randomized to receive topical postoperative treatment with DICLO (n = 23), DEX (n = 23), or a combination of DEX and DICLO (n = 23). The primary outcome was the intraocular pressure (IOP) 12 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included surgical success, failure, visual field, and visual acuity from baseline to 12 months postoperatively. IOP reached the lowest point one day after trabeculectomy. At 12 months, IOP was 10.0 mmHg (95% CI, 8.4–11.6 mmHg) for DICLO, 10.9 mmHg (95% CI, 9.4–12.3 mmHg) for DEX, and 11.2 mmHg (95% CI, 9.1–13.3 mmHg) for DEX+DICLO. There were no significant differences in IOP, surgical success, failure, visual field, or visual acuity between the DICLO, DEX, or DEX+DICLO groups. We found that topical diclofenac was not statistically different from topical dexamethasone in controlling IOP 12 months after trabeculectomy. Combining diclofenac and dexamethasone offered no added IOP control compared to dexamethasone alone.

Phospholipid Free Nano-Vesicles of Brinzolamide Biopolymer Ocular Insert; Design, In vitro and In vivo Evaluation

The aim of this work to study the feasibility of using phospholipid free vesicles with positive charge inducer in a slowly dissolving polymer ocular insert to successfully control intraocular pressure (IOP) for an extended period. Brinzolamide (BRNZ) was chosen as a model drug and a full factorial design was assembled to investigate the drug loading effect, ratio of cholesterol to fatty moiety and the type of the fatty moiety used on the vesicle size and entrapment efficiency. Linear regression models were constructed, and optimization of the formulation compositions yielded two formulae with palmitic acid as a negatively charged vesicles and cetrimide positively charged vesicles. Both formulae were studied in term of permeation efficiency through bovine corneal membranes. Positively charged vesicles although it didn't achieve the highest flux and cumulative amount permeated per unit surface area in the experiment time course, it achieved the highest retention of drug inside the corneal tissue, so it was chosen to be incorporated in a slowly dissolving polymer ocular insert. The insert was evaluated in term content, physical evaluation, and release properties. In vivo evaluation of the casted ocular inserts was conducted in male albino rabbits against market eye drop product and IOP readings were collected for 48 hours. The positively charged sterosomes containing BRNZ and formulated in polymer ocular inserts achieved extended control of IOP of the test animals compared to the market product.

Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy versus combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy in primary congenital glaucoma.

The primary mode of therapy in children with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and mild or no corneal edema is goniotomy, which has a high success rate. However, in developing countries, the diagnosis of PCG is usually delayed, and corneal cloudiness interferes with goniotomy. Therefore, trabeculotomy may be the best choice in such eyes. We compared the short-term efficacy and safety of primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy (primary CTT) with that of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) in managing PCG. This prospective, randomized, comparative study included patients with PCG referred to Al-Azhar University Hospitals within a 1-year period. Eyes were randomly allocated to one of two groups: eyes in NPDS group underwent NPDS, and those in primary CTT group underwent primary CTT. Baseline and frequent postoperative assessments of intraocular pressure (IOP), cup-to-disc ratio (C/D ratio), corneal diameter, and axial length were performed for up to 6 months. The success rates were recorded in both groups. Forty eyes of 26 patients were included, with 20 eyes allocated to each group. The mean (standard deviation) age of all patients was 12.9 (9.5) months, with comparable ages and sex ratios between groups (both P > 0.05). Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in IOP and C/D ratio at each postoperative visit compared to the baseline visit (all P < 0.001), with no significant difference detected between the groups (all P > 0.05), except for a significantly lower IOP in NPDS group at 1 month (P < 0.05). The corneal diameter and axial length were comparable between groups at baseline and remained unchanged at all postoperative visits (all P > 0.05). The groups had comparable success rates (P > 0.05). No serious complications were detected. CTT and NPDS both yielded reasonable IOP control and reversal of cupping in eyes with PCG. We observed equal effectiveness of the surgical procedures without major safety concerns. Further large-scale clinical trials with longer follow-up periods are needed to verify our preliminary findings.

Glaucoma: from pathogenic mechanisms to retinal glial cell response to damage

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the retina characterized by the irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to visual loss. Degeneration of RGCs and loss of their axons, as well as damage and remodeling of the lamina cribrosa are the main events in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Different molecular pathways are involved in RGC death, which are triggered and exacerbated as a consequence of a number of risk factors such as elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), age, ocular biomechanics, or low ocular perfusion pressure. Increased IOP is one of the most important risk factors associated with this pathology and the only one for which treatment is currently available, nevertheless, on many cases the progression of the disease continues, despite IOP control. Thus, the IOP elevation is not the only trigger of glaucomatous damage, showing the evidence that other factors can induce RGCs death in this pathology, would be involved in the advance of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. The underlying mechanisms driving the neurodegenerative process in glaucoma include ischemia/hypoxia, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In glaucoma, like as other neurodegenerative disorders, the immune system is involved and immunoregulation is conducted mainly by glial cells, microglia, astrocytes, and Müller cells. The increase in IOP produces the activation of glial cells in the retinal tissue. Chronic activation of glial cells in glaucoma may provoke a proinflammatory state at the retinal level inducing blood retinal barrier disruption and RGCs death. The modulation of the immune response in glaucoma as well as the activation of glial cells constitute an interesting new approach in the treatment of glaucoma.

Childhood glaucoma profile in a Southwestern Ethiopia tertiary care center: a retrospective study

BackgroundChildhood glaucoma is a major cause of childhood blindness worldwide. The profile of childhood glaucoma has not been well characterized in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, this study was designed to describe demographics, clinical features, managements of childhood glaucoma, and improvements in visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline to final visit.MethodsThis retrospective study included glaucoma patients below 18 years old who were diagnosed between September 2019 to August 2022. Childhood glaucoma diagnosis and classification was made as per the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network Classification (CGRN).ResultsA total of 105 children (181 eyes) were diagnosed with glaucoma. The most common type of childhood glaucoma was primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) constituting (42%, n = 76 eyes, 95% confidence interval (CI), 34.7–49.5%; P = 0.037), followed by glaucoma suspect (22.1%, n = 40 eyes, 95% CI, 16.3–28.9%; P < 0.001) and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) (15.5%, n = 28 eyes, 95% CI, 10.5–21.6%; P < 0.001). While the most common type of secondary glaucoma was steroid-induced glaucoma, followed by glaucoma following cataract surgery. Bilateral glaucoma was found in 72.4% (n = 76 children, 95% CI, 62.8–80.7%; P < 0.001) of children. In both primary and secondary glaucoma, boys were affected more than girls, in ratio of 2:1 and 2.7:1, respectively. The mean age at presentation for patients with PCG was 2.7 years. Close to 93.4% (71) of PCG eyes were managed surgically, of which majority underwent combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy (CTT). Most of secondary glaucoma cases were treated medically. Overall, 85.3% (111) of eyes had successful control of IOP ≤ 21 mmHg.ConclusionPCG was the most common type of childhood glaucoma. One of a well-recognized challenge in developing countries, late presentation of patients with PCG, was also observed in our study. Which highlights, the need of increasing access to eye-care service and awareness of childhood glaucoma as a major public health issue. Steroid-induced glaucoma was the most common type of secondary glaucoma; appropriate measures should be taken to prevent this preventable glaucoma.

Success of Endoscopic Laser Cyclophotocoagulation vs Repeat Transscleral Treatment after Prior Transscleral Cycloablation.

To compare the efficacy of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) vs repeat transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) in eyes with persistent glaucoma despite prior treatment with TCP. This was a retrospective chart review of glaucoma patients at the American University of Beirut Medical Center over 10 years who underwent ECP or repeat TCP. We reported qualified and complete success; success was defined as postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mm Hg, with (qualified) or without medications (complete) and without procedure-related complications. This study included 23 eyes of 21 patients with various forms of uncontrolled glaucoma who had failed TCP. A total of 13 eyes of 12 patients underwent ECP with a mean age of 39.9 ± 23.2 years, and 10 eyes of nine patients underwent repeat TCP with a mean age of 27.2 ± 22.6 years. A significant decrease in IOP was observed from 38.5 ± 7.9 mm Hg preoperatively to 25.2 ± 8.8 mm Hg postrepeat TCP (p = 0.006) and from 33.0 ± 9.5 to 12.8 ± 3.9 mm Hg post-ECP (p < 0.001), noted at a mean follow-up time of 39.2 ± 44.4 and 41.5 ± 37.4 months, respectively. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased in the two groups (from 3.8 ± 1.0 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 0.9 postoperatively for ECP and from 3.5 ± 1.3 to 3.1 ± 0.9 postoperatively for TCP); however, the drop was only statistically significant post-ECP. Qualified success was significantly higher after ECP vs repeat TCP (91.7 vs 40%, respectively). Complete success was achieved only in 1/12 (8.3%) eyes in the ECP group. Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) performed in glaucomatous eyes previously treated with transscleral cycloablation provided more IOP control as compared to repeat TCP by directly treating viable tissue in previously skipped ciliary processes and in between processes. In glaucomatous eyes previously treated with transscleral cycloablation, ECP attained better IOP control than repeat transscleral cycloablation. Al-Haddad C, Barikian A, Moussawi ZE, et al. Success of Endoscopic Laser Cyclophotocoagulation vs Repeat Transscleral Treatment after Prior Transscleral Cycloablation. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(4):191-196.

Retrospective evaluation of surgical outcomes in canine patients with primary and secondary glaucoma following diode endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation.

To evaluate the long-term outcome of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) for the treatment of primary and secondary glaucoma in dogs. Retrospective review of dogs that underwent ECP at two referral centers from 2004 to 2023. Medical records of 389 eyes (301 dogs) following ECP were reviewed. Outcomes evaluated included follow-up time, intraocular pressure (IOP), vision status, additional ECP procedures performed, number of medications, and complications. Patient and surgical variables and their association with IOP control and vision maintenance were evaluated. Median follow-up time was 18 months. IOP remained controlled in 90% and 95% of patients at 1 and 2 years, respectively, following ECP. IOP was controlled long-term (2 years) in cases with primary (88%) and secondary (99%) glaucoma. Post-operative vision was maintained in 63% and 49% of eyes at approximately 1 and 2 years, respectively. Median time to vision loss was 6.5 months. Repeat ECP was required in 15.4% of eyes at a median of 19 days post-operatively. Eyes that underwent more than one ECP surgery had a significantly longer median time to blindness (13.8 months) than those that underwent a single ECP procedure (3.6 months; p = .0003). The median number of anti-glaucoma medications decreased from three pre-operatively to one at 1- and 2-year post-operatively. Complications included corneal ulceration (28%), blinding hypotony (11%), retinal detachment (11%), and hyphema (10%). Endolaser cyclophotocoagulation is an effective surgery for maintaining long-term IOP control and extending vision in canine patients with glaucoma refractory to medical management.

Outcome of combined trabeculectomy with cataract surgery in patients on prostaglandin analogs and aqueous suppressants.

To compare the effect of prostaglandin analogs (PGA) against other glaucoma medications (non-PGA) on the intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of combined trabeculectomy with phacoemulsification, and the conjunctival cell profile in persons with primary open-angle (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXFG). A prospective cohort study was conducted among 116 patients with POAG or PXFG on glaucoma medications for a minimum of 3 months undergoing glaucoma triple procedure. Patients were divided into two groups (PGA and non-PGA) based on preoperative exposure to PGA. IOP outcomes were assessed for up to 2 years. Conjunctival biopsy specimens were obtained at the time of surgery, and histopathological analysis was performed. Forty-two patients were in the PGA group, 67 were in the non-PGA group, and seven were lost to follow-up. The non-PGA group had lesser mean postoperative IOP and needed fewer postoperative medications compared to the PGA group in all visits up to 2 years. The non-PGA group had better complete success rate (50.7% vs. 14.3%, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates showed a significant difference in cumulative complete success rate between non-PGA (67%) and PGA (26%) by 24 months ( P < 0.001). The Cox proportional model showed the type of drug to be significantly associated with surgical failure. Histopathological analysis revealed that the PGA group had higher numbers for each type of inflammatory cell (except mast cells) compared to the non-PGA group. Patients on PGA are likely to have a higher postoperative IOP and may need more medications for IOP control after a glaucoma triple procedure.

Concurrent adjacent strabismus surgery with glaucoma drainage device placement in childhood glaucomas

BackgroundDetermine outcomes of concurrent strabismus surgery with placement of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) in children.MethodsRetrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent simultaneous lateral rectus (LR) muscle surgery with superotemporal GDD placement. Strabismus and GDD success were defined as residual horizontal misalignment < 10 prism diopter (PD) and intraocular pressure (IOP) < 21 mmHg, no visually devastating complications, and no additional IOP-lowering surgeries.ResultsFifteen eyes of 13 patients (69% male) underwent LR surgery (14 recessions, 1 resection) for exotropia or esotropia simultaneous with GDD placement (13 Baerveldt, 2 Ahmed) at 8.34 ± 5.26 years. Preoperative visual acuity (VA) in operative eye (0.89 ± 0.54) was worse than non-operative eye (0.23 ± 0.44, p = 0.0032). Preoperative horizontal deviation was 38.3 ± 9.4 PD and LR recession was 7.4 ± 1.1 mm. At final follow-up, VA in operative eye (0.87 ± 0.52) was unchanged from preoperative (p = 0.4062). Final IOP was significantly decreased (12.4 ± 4.7 mmHg vs. 31.1 ± 11.4 mmHg, p = 0.0001) as was number of glaucoma medications (2.7 ± 1.7 vs. 1.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.0037). Five (38%) and 9 patients (69%) met criteria for strabismus and GDD success, respectively. Two eyes required tube revision and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and 2 eyes had additional strabismus surgery.ConclusionsConcurrent strabismus and GDD surgery decreased horizontal deviation and obtained IOP control. It is important to consider correction of strabismus at time of GDD placement to maximize visual development and improve cosmesis in children with glaucoma.

Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation compared to continuous wave cyclophotocoagulation for the management of refractory pediatric glaucoma.

Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (MPCPC) has been shown in adults to offer a favorable post-operative safety profile compared to continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CWCPC) in the management of glaucoma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long term efficacy, safety, and effectiveness of MPCPC in the management of pediatric glaucoma when compared to CWCPC. IRB approved retrospective chart review of patients with pediatric glaucoma that underwent MPCPC and CWCPC at 2 separate institutions. Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5 and 21mmHg on any number of topical glaucoma medication without requiring additional surgical intervention or oral IOP lowering medication. Of the 48 patients in the study, 22 (26 eyes) underwent MPCPC and 26 (30 eyes) underwent CWCPC. At 1 year, 7 out of 26 eyes (26.9%) achieved success in the MPCPC group compared to 13 out of 30 eyes (43.3%) in the CWCPC group. Survival analysis unveiled a statistically significant difference in success between the two groups (p = 0.03). In pediatric glaucoma patients undergoing cyclophotocoagulation procedures, CWCPC outperformed MPCPC using default settings in terms of achieving long-term IOP control. Additional studies are required to evaluated augmented MPCPC settings in pediatric glaucoma patients.